The Remington 870 Fieldmaster is a legendary pump-action shotgun, known for its reliability, versatility, and rugged durability. This in-depth review will delve into its features, performance, and overall value, helping you decide if it's the right shotgun for your needs. We'll cover everything from its history and design to its performance in various shooting scenarios.
A Legacy of Reliability: The Remington 870's History
The Remington 870's history is deeply intertwined with American firearm history. First introduced in 1950, it quickly gained popularity amongst hunters, law enforcement, and military personnel alike. Its simple, robust design proved incredibly reliable, even under harsh conditions. This reliability is a cornerstone of its enduring appeal and is a major reason why the Remington 870 Fieldmaster remains a top choice for many. This design, largely unchanged over the decades, is a testament to its effectiveness.
Design and Features: Dissecting the Fieldmaster
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster's design is characterized by its simplicity and functionality. It's a pump-action shotgun, meaning the user manually cycles the action to load and fire each round. This mechanism is known for its reliability and ease of operation.
Key Features:
- Durable Construction: The receiver and barrel are typically made from steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
- Simple Operation: The pump action is intuitive and easy to master, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters.
- Versatile Chambering: The Fieldmaster is available in various chamberings, including 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore, catering to diverse shooting preferences and applications.
- Interchangeable Chokes: The ability to change chokes allows for customization of the shot pattern, optimizing performance for different types of hunting or shooting. This flexibility is a huge advantage.
- Reliable Extraction: The 870's extractor is consistently praised for its efficiency and dependability, ensuring reliable shell extraction even with heavily soiled or damaged cartridges.
Variations Within the Fieldmaster Line:
While the core design remains consistent, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster comes in various configurations. These variations can include:
- Barrel Length: Different barrel lengths are available, influencing the shotgun's handling and balance. Shorter barrels are ideal for maneuverability in tighter spaces, while longer barrels offer improved accuracy at longer ranges.
- Stock and Forend: Variations in stock and forend materials (wood, synthetic) and design affect ergonomics and aesthetics.
Performance and Handling: On the Range and in the Field
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster's performance is a key factor in its enduring popularity. Its reliable action ensures consistent cycling, crucial for rapid follow-up shots. However, handling can vary based on barrel length and stock configuration.
Accuracy: While not known for exceptional long-range accuracy compared to specialized target shotguns, the Fieldmaster offers acceptable accuracy for its intended purposes – hunting and home defense. Accuracy is largely dependent on the shooter's skill and the chosen choke.
Recoil: Recoil management is a crucial aspect of any shotgun's performance. The 12-gauge Fieldmaster, particularly with heavier loads, can have significant recoil. Proper shooting technique, including a firm grip and shoulder mount, is essential to mitigate recoil. Reduced recoil loads can lessen this impact for users sensitive to recoil.
Reliability: This is where the Remington 870 Fieldmaster truly shines. Its robust design and simple mechanics have earned it a reputation for exceptional reliability. In testing conditions, malfunctions are extremely rare. This makes it an excellent choice for situations where reliability is paramount, such as hunting in challenging conditions or home defense scenarios.
Case Study: Fieldmaster in a Hunting Scenario
A seasoned hunter, John, used his Remington 870 Fieldmaster for years in waterfowl hunting. He consistently praised its reliability, even in wet and muddy conditions. The ability to quickly cycle through shells proved crucial in fast-paced hunting scenarios. While the recoil was noticeable, John found it manageable with practice and the use of reduced recoil shells.
Remington 870 Fieldmaster vs. Competitors
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster faces competition from other pump-action shotguns, such as the Mossberg 500 and the Winchester 1300. While each offers unique features, the Fieldmaster consistently stands out in terms of its reliability and widespread availability of parts and accessories. Direct comparison would require analyzing specific models within each brand's offerings.
Conclusion: Is the Fieldmaster Right for You?
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster remains a highly sought-after shotgun due to its legendary reliability, versatility, and rugged construction. It’s a practical choice for various applications, including hunting, home defense, and recreational shooting. However, its simplicity means it might lack some of the features found in more modern shotguns. Consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision. If reliability and proven performance are your top priorities, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster is an excellent choice and a firearm that could easily last a lifetime.